Quotes

Direct democracy means direct responsibility

Swiss President Simonetta Sommaruga

Playing at being a major power when you are a small country does not turn out well.

Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer

The politics of the extreme, the politics of the ends of the spectrum and the politics of shrill tones are proving increasingly appealing.

Federal Councillor Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf

Isolationism cannot be an option. There is no rational alternative to cooperation with Europe.

Federal Councillor Alain Berset

There are various groups in Switzerland who believe we are strong enough alone. That is quite simply irresponsible.

Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Ammann

Our path to security is achieved through the security of others.

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter

Let’s be honest - we moan and complain a lot. Millions of people would trade places with us.

Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard

“It is not enough to speak, but to speak true.”

William Shakespeare (1564 – 1616)

The quotations of the Federal Councillors come from their 1 August speeches in 2015